subject: What To Know About Flat Feet [print this page] Flat feet are a complex and common disorderFlat feet are a complex and common disorder. Toddlers and infants usually have flat feet before they start walking, as their longitudinal arches have not developed yet. As a child begins to learn to stand, an arch will appear and continue to develop throughout childhood.
By adulthood, most people will have developed normal arches. For those that do not, flat feet is often the result. Flat feet are not necessarily a painful condition, but in some cases treatment is necessary to eliminate nagging pain.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet usually occur because the tendons that hold your joints together are loose. As children age, the tendons begin to tighten and an arch forms. However, this sometimes does not occur and the result is flat feet. In addition, aging, injuries or illness can also contribute to flat feet forming later on in life.
In most cases, flat feet do not produce any pain or symptoms. In cases like these, there is no need for you to seek any treatment or make any lifestyle changes. However, if you do feel pain due to your flat feet, there are treatment options that you can receive.
Symptoms that are consistent with flat feet include:
*Lower back, knee or hip pain
*Pain along the shin bone (shin splints)
*General aching or fatigue in the foot or leg
*Pain in the heel, arch, ankle or along the outside of the foot
How Your Podiatrist Can Treat Your Flat Feet
Your Metairie podiatrist can help you in the diagnosis and treatment process of flat feet. Depending on how severe your condition is, anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy, icing, supportive taping, orthotics or bracing may be used to treat flat feet.
You should talk to your podiatrist before taking any medications. In some cases, surgery can be performed to repair a torn or damaged tendon and return your foot to normal function. In severe cases, surgery can be performed on the midfoot bones to treat flat feet. This will be determined by your podiatrist.
Surgery can also include lengthening of the Achilles tendon, cutting the muscle fibers that form the Achilles tendon, a cut in the heel bone and a procedure along the arch of your foot to recreate an arch.
One common way your podiatrist can improve your flat feet is through the use of specialized orthotic devices. The Footmaxx orthotic system can help you correct your gait and reduce your pain due to flat feet.
If you have flat feet and are experiencing severe or mild pain, talk to your Metairie podiatrist for further consultation on how to reduce your pain. It is important for you to consult with your podiatrist before taking any treatment into your own hands. Flat feet are not always a painful or bothersome condition, but if they are, treatment from your podiatrist is available to help you.
To learn more about flat feet or to schedule an appointment, contact your podiatrist in Metairie today.
